The Data Deficit Issue and Ineligibility for Public Distribution Benefits

The extension of the free ration scheme raises concerns about the outdated census data that is used to issue ration cards, determining eligibility for public distribution benefits. With no census conducted since 2011, the population has significantly increased, but the number of ration cards issued remains stagnant. The scheme aims to cover 67% of India's population, which should account for about 95 crore people based on the current population. However, due to the data deficit, the program is limited to approximately 81 crore people, potentially leaving out 10 to 14 crore individuals. The Supreme Court has urged the government to consider population projections when census data is unavailable, but the government has maintained the outdated numbers. To ensure the true cost and effectiveness of the scheme, it is crucial to address this data deficit and conduct a fresh census to accurately determine eligibility and distribution.